Starbuck's Instant coffee....

I am not a fan of instant coffee.
I think, as a child, I would drink it with my grandma. She drank, coffee, daily and mostly, it was nescafe. I remember hearing that it would stunt my growth. Somehow, I think that was an wive's tale.
I digress.
I love coffee. I drink it, everyday. It is what I wake up to and sometimes, I go on the wagon and can do it, but I do not enjoy it. I am a coffee drinker. I do not drink soda or tea, just get caffeine from coffee. Oh, and chocolate.
Typically, I drink drip coffee with a splash of soy milk. I was trying to cut down on my dairy intake and what better what to do it than make this small adjustment. Anyways, I have a friend that works at Starbuck's. In the past, he has brought me a pound of coffee since he knows how much I enjoy my coffee. This is a definite perk of working for Starbuck's. They get a pound of coffee, per week, as an employee. I would be in heaven and never go without.
About a month ago, he visited me at work and handed me a new product that Starbuck's is endorsing. Instant coffee. I put in my cupboard and that was it. Again, I am not a fan of instant coffee. It was confirmed while traveling in Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina. Chile had Starbuck's. Costa Rica had its own amazing coffee and New Zealand had decadent latte's.
Today, I took a siesta. This is a habit that I am forming and opted to have another cup of coffee. Knowing I had the Via available, I thought, why not give it a go? Maybe it will surprise you.
It didn't.
It's instant coffee. I am not a fan. I would rather go without than suffer through a cup of this watered down product.
They are making a push for it in the States. Abroad, instant coffee is normal. But, it still doesn't make it taste better. I like fresh brewed coffee---strong, bold coffee.
Try it, if you must, but if you are a loyal coffee drinker, don't be surprised if you, too, are disappointed.

November 12--Hailey's day....

I have been lazy the last few days...no training, no yoga, the books I picked up at the library do not inspire me. Instead, I have taken siestas the last few days and I went to bed, early, last night, too. What is wrong with me? Don't get me wrong...I love naps and do not judge anybody for enjoying one. The summer I lived in Mexico, it was an important part of my day.
I believe I need a project or a new hobby or something to take up my time. Even my postings have been mundane since the marathon. I need inspiration or motivation. I feel lethargic and sleep is my fall back. I am not depressed--I know that, but, I am lazy. That word seems to be the word that keeps coming to mind. It is an accurate description of how I have spent the last few days.
I feel that it is a cycle for me. I need something to focus on so that I have a purpose or meaning in my life. When I don't, I get lazy, restless and bored. I question my life's work and how to better myself. I am a work in progress, I suppose.
In other news....Happy Birthday, Hailey! I hope she is able to thoroughly enjoy her day, however she decides to spend it. I know she is surrounded by her boys and that they will take care to please her. Her son, Andrew, just had a birthday, too. He turned 4 on the 10th. Birthdays are wonderful. I was a touch tame on my birthday month this year. Training made sure that I didn't go too wild with drinking wine or going out to dinner.
Yes, I am coming off of an incredible high associated with the marathon. Maybe that it why I am so lethargic.
Enjoy your day. Smile. Eat cake. Be happy~

Need a project, not to be a counselor....

It is difficult to not think about the future--the what if factor.
Lately, I have been privy to three separate situations, where the individual is in an impossible situation. They want advice or direction, but really, I recognize that in no way, is that my place in the friendship.
For instance, I don't know how I would react to the specific situation since I haven't went through it yet.
I tried to explain this to my friend. I hope she understands. I am not trying to be unsupportive. I just know that from an outside perspective, of course, it would be easy for me to say--this is what you should be doing.
I suggested to her that being in the present moment and making peace with the circumstances was the first step. From there she needed to decide what course of action was best for her.
I know it is frustrating, but that is all I can do. I would hate for her to listen to my speculating when each situation is unique and again, I don't know how I would react if I had to face it. I reiterated that she is loved and supported and that, yes, she would get through this.
My other friend is facing a custody battle which I do not envy. He tried to be amicable, for the sake of his kids, but this led to inaction and the opportunity for his ex to walk all over him. She has continued to do things, to him, because he let her. I feel bad for him and do not envy his road. But, he'll make it work and he will get through this.
I know that I asked for a project, but I don't think I wanted this one. I feel that I need to be specific in my wants and hopes of the future. I will continue to run, but since I am not training for the marathon, any longer, I have more time to focus on other projects. Any suggestions?
We all have decisions to make, some easier than others. That is what defines our character. We forget that we have the power to protect ourselves and that by not doing something, that, too, is an action--i.e--my friend and his pending custody battle.
Thankfully, I have a wonderful loving family and support system. I hope to be there for my friends/family to listen, support and not judge or suggest courses of action. I cannot. It is similar to bashing someone's ex boyfriend or husband in the midst of their break-up, and then finding out they opted to stay together. How do you take back your words of wisdom? How does that person ever feel safe, confiding in you again, when you think their spouse is a moron?
Each situation is unique. We can only hope for the best and the understanding of our peers and family.
Be happy today and in the present moment. For me, I need to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Settling in...

Settling in...thankfully. I put it off as long as I could.
I traveled. I worked. I rearranged and I kept moving boxes from place to place. As of right now, I have a completely open kitchen path, living room and my room is uncluttered. It is beginning to feel like home.
And, I have my first guest......Sara Jo. Yea! I am so excited to have wine with her and catch up. I saw her at Elway's, post-marathon, but since then, nada. About 4 years, Sara and I met weekly for dinner. Typically, we would begin at my place, with wine and small plates and move on to some new and exciting restaurant in Denver. I loved Wednesdays for that reason, alone.
Now, with school, work and other distractions, I am lucky to see her once every 6-8 months. I am working on changing that. Sara Jo has always been a fantastic conversationalist and supporter. Plus, she likes red wine, as much, if not more, than I do. Needless to say, we get along fine.
The Goddess saw my place, pre-Saturday run, but it wasn't put together. It was a quick look-see. I think I will have her over for drinks on another occasion. I hope to continue to run with her once a week.
And, it wasn't clean, either. Now that I have hard wood floors, I feel it is necessary to sweep, daily. I remember that regiment from my mom's house, but now, understand how important it is to sweep or at least try to. So far, I have been on task.
This morning, I walked up to the King Sooper's to purchase coffee and filters. The store is open 24 hours which is convenient, but it is dirty. I think I will continue to frequent Safeway even though it is a few blocks farther than the Sooper's. I prefer cleanliness to convenience.
I am mundane, but getting my life in Capitol Hill put together. I need a hobby or a new project. Trainig took up a lot of my free time and kept me focused. Now, I dream of faraway places, exotic foods and people. If only I could be compensated for travel....

My Sunday.......

Today was a great day.
Sorta normal, sorta lame, but overall, fairly pleasant.
It started at work. I blasted my ipod. Lately, I have been listening to Kanye West's, Stronger, because it reminds me of the marathon and Somebody's Baby, by Jackson Browne. I think of that song and associate it with Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I have always enjoyed that song. While downloading new music for the marathon, I found the Jackson Browne song, in addition to Veronica, by Elvis Costello and Psycho Killer, by Talking Heads. Yes, my music selections have been all over the map lately.
Anyways, ipod blasting, work started smoothly. Little Mel brought me a coffee. We do that on Sundays, alternate, for I don't know what reason. It started and has continued. I enjoy it. I absolutely look forward to Sunday morning for the coffee, alone.
The Broncos play tomorrow night. Typically, if the Broncos don't play, we aren't busy. Today, was the complete opposite for a few hours. Several people that I knew, came in, to have brunch with me. There are four girls that used to be Saturday morning girls and in the last year, have become Sunday morning ladies. They are fun, always have great conversations and easy. They eat the Taos or eggs benedict and leave. They tip well and never require hand holding. You know what I mean...they aren't needy.
Anyways, today, one of them was talking funny. I couldn't help but look at her mouth and I couldn't understand why she was drawing attention to it through her actions. I thought she might have a cancor sore or imaginary fever blister. I tried to avoid fixation, during their ordering, and finally, one of the girls goes--well, you don't know about her mouth, do you? No, I didn't.
She explains that about six weeks ago, they went to Cervantes and as they were leaving, some random guy came up, punched her boyfriend in the face and then her and ran off. He didn't ask for money. He just wanted to hit them.
Her boyfriend's teeth broke through the skin and she broke her jaw in two places. Her jaw was wired shut.
Seriously, wtf? How does this happen and for what? It wasn't a mugging and apparently, the bar acted like it didn't happen. They claimed no responsibility and showed them to the street.
I know I live in a city and I know there are areas that should be avoided. But, the fact that Cervantes kicked them out speaks volumes over living in a city. Anything can happen, anywhere. It doesn't matter that it was in five points in Denver. I remember being on the wrong compartment of a train in South Africa. I was the only white person on that area of the train and I was safe. Nobody approached me or tried to make me feel uncomfortable. I wasn't kicked off the train either.
On a side note....a friend of mine texted me, yesterday, to ask me to Elway's. As you know, I am a sucker for Rapture. I tried to avoid going, but I caved. I texted her back and asked who was there. Her response was, Jen and Mark. I like her latest "suitor", but I prefer girl's talk. I had spent a few days in Kansas and wanted to dish, but not with a male present.
I arrive. I walk into Elway's and there they are...Jen, Tiffany, Mark, and two others. And, they had paid their tab. Annoyed, I sat down and ordered my Rapture. I tried to welcome the conversation, but was bored with the specifics. The wine wasn't enough. I had to go to work.
In the last week, I have sat through two separate occasions of meeting friends and their significant others. Granted, I have friends that I meet as a couple. For instance, Steve and Pocketsize, but they are my friends. I do not try to entertain them separately and I believe our conversations are everything they are supposed to be.
I find myself censoring topics with spouses or new boyfriends. I wish my other friend at Elway's knew that lesson. Instead, she droned on and on with her latest and greatest.
Again, filter....doesn't everyone have one? And, I wish my girlfriends understood that girl time is different from hanging out with a couple. Oh, Sunday...what a fun day!

Dempsey's

Truffle fries....love them.
This morning, I was in Lawrence and trying to decide where to eat. Did I want mexican, again, or something different?
I ate at El Mezcal, the first day. In college, I loved the margaritas at El Mezcal. I had forgotten that that was all I loved about El Mezcal. Margaritas--awesome, food, not so much. I had scrambled eggs, tortillas and beans and rice. The eggs were bland and tasted old. I ate the chips.
Yesterday, we ate at Tortas Jalisco. I liked the chips--made to order. Margaritas were bland. I think it was sweet and sour, with a splash of tequila. Anyways, the chips were great, the eggs were decent and I liked the salsa. It was a definite improvement over El Mezcal.
Today, we considered La Parilla. It is a south american restaurant that I have enjoyed in the past. My sister fell down the stairs, one time. Completely different story, but a great restaurant, nonetheless.
I needed a book, for my flight, and so we detoured to the Dusty Bookshelf. I found a Nelson DeMille book and we continued to walk down Mass St. Since we had eaten mexican the previous two days, I decided that I wanted something different.
There was a new restaurant on Vermont that specialized in truffle fries and burgers.
Initially, we were the first to arrive. We sat at the bar, made eye contact with one of the workers and drank a beer. I had a boulevard wheat and waited for my felafel burger and truffle fries. Casey had a salad and ordered a side of duck fat fries with all of their sauces. They had a stout mustard, guajillo sauce, garlic mayo, chipotle bbq, and ketchup. I liked the food. My felafel was great and it was topped with pickled cauliflower and onions. The bun was great and I was happy.
We wanted another beer and so I tried to make eye contact with one of the two people standing behind the bar. No movement.
I got up. I walked over. I ordered two beers. I sat back down.
They never offered to drop the bill. Instead, a line formed as people dropped in for lunch. I had a flight to catch and so as I dreamed of one of the workers, actually paying attention to us, more and more people arrived. Frustrated, I joined the line. I waited.
Casey went to get the car and I waited. When I paid, the guy said----this is why we like people to pay as they go....seriously? I am drinking beer. I ordered multiple things and you want me to pay as I go? How difficult is it to start a tab, since I am siting at the bar, where you are? What did you do? You made me almost late for my flight and required too much work for me, to actually, feel that I was dining out. I sat at the bar. I think that is what frustrated me most. I sat and watched them, talk to each other for 45 minutes, instead of ask if I wanted more water or another beer. Yes, the food was good, but if I were to return, I would order take-out. At least, that way, I would pay as I go. I can walk to Cork and Barrel and open my own beer.
I didn't like the guy's attitude. It is a bar. Bars have tabs. There has got to be a more efficient way of operating Dempsey's on Vermont St. Plus, as they got busy, they were unable to clean tables for new customers. I know that I was not the only one annoyed with their concept of ordering.
Perhaps, south american would have been better, today. I loved the fries and the plethora of sauces. I am a condiment kid. However, the service lacked and I do not know if I am the forgiving type, as of late...

new place

My new place is fantastic.
Slowly, I unpack, organize, move a box, repack an older container and basically make it appear like I am actually doing things.
That is until yesterday. I know have an open kitchen, free of boxes/organizers and all of my wine glasses are washed and unpacked. Life is good.
I figure, I will tackle the rest of it, this weekend. I have ample cabinent space to utilize and I want to make it feel like home. I am beyond the old place and its negativity--due to the landlord. I am brimming with possibilities of being in Capitol Hill. I live a block from the best sandwich shop in Denver--Snarf's, Whole Foods, my laundry mat and a really awful bar (Park Tavern). I am certain that I might go there, infrequently, since I have never been a fan of that establishment. Probably because Brian got kicked out of it, one night, for his I.D. I think. I cannot remember. I only remember that I have never been a fan of this bar or the other one, they used to own, the Bank. I lived on 16th and Williams in 2002 and was a local for a brief amount of time. Personally, I prefer the Thin Man, or even the Squire, if I am on that end of town.
I could always walk to Don's Mixed Drinks, or Lala's. I have options.
Nevertheless, I am excited about this neighborhood and finding my niche. There is always activity. It definitely has an eclectic mix of people. I have encountered transients, kids (early 20's), older couples, hippies, junkies, lesbians, etc. It is an interesting feel and I love it! I plan on exploring more, when I have time.
Side note--I am much closer to the Denver Public Library which is also a benefit of the area. I used to live closer to one of the satellite branches, which was nice, but limited. The main library is amazing and will become a regular stop, for me, in my new area.
Enjoy your day. I must conclude this for now.....